Texas Senate Bill SB605

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to procedures for the review and selection of certain instructional materials by public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools.

Impact

By introducing these requirements, SB605 aims to enhance transparency and accountability within public education systems regarding the instructional materials used in classrooms. The inclusion of provisions that require public meetings and opportunities for public comment is intended to empower parents and community members, ensuring their voices are considered during the selection process. Furthermore, if instructional materials include Common Core state standards, additional specific meetings must be conducted at the request of parents, thereby allowing for further scrutiny and decision-making opportunities on such materials.

Summary

Senate Bill 605 focuses on the procedures for the review and selection of instructional materials by public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. The bill mandates that each school district and charter school must adopt and implement procedures that guarantee public notice and access to instructional materials scheduled for review. This public access must be provided at least 30 days before any official selection of instructional materials occurs, allowing ample time for community input and transparency in the decision-making process.

Contention

The bill also incorporates measures that empower parents to call for the removal of instructional materials tied to Common Core standards from the selection list. This feature has raised discussions regarding local control versus standardized educational frameworks. Supporters argue that engaging parents in the educational process is crucial, particularly concerning content that aligns with a broader national standard. Conversely, opponents may view these changes as an unnecessary complication that could undermine educational consistency within the state.